Germany: Christopher ALBERT b. abt 1770 Prussia

[lagunasf]

Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone can help with the research of my ggg grandfather's parentage.  This is what I know about him:

Born abt 1770 Prussia according to his Naval records.
Joined the British Navy in 1793.  Retired on a pension in 1835
Married Jemima Campling in Jan 1809 in Chatham Kent
Died Jun Qtr 1845 at the age of 75 in St George East.  I don't have his death Cert but it wouldn't tell me anymore than that which I already know now.

He is listed on the 1841 census as Christn Albert 69, Pensioner, with wife Jemima 54, and children Richd 12, Sarah 9 and William 7.  (Also has 6 other children who have already left home)

I have a list of his navy service details from another message board I found with the following references: National Archives ADM 36/15837 and ADM 29/3 page 15.  I've tried looking this up but it just gives a general synopsis of the reference, not specific details on each mariner, which is what I was hoping to find.  Would his joining papers have more details on his birthplace, his physical description etc.  If so, how do I find these?  Living in Australia makes it difficult to actually visit any archives, so does anyone know if these records are available online.

How and when did he migrate to England?

If he was Prussian would he have to be naturalized to join the British Navy?

Any information would be greatly appreciated

Lagunasf

[kerry1212]

hi lagunasf

i found the christening records of 2 of his children

Name:  Mary Ann Albert
Gender:    Female
Birth Date: 4 May 1815
Christening Date:    24 May 1815
Christening Place:    Chatham, Kent, England
Age at Christening:    0
Father's Name: Christopher Albert
Mother's Name: Jemima


Name  Henry William Albert
Gender   Male
Birth Date   4 Sep 1816
Christening Date 6 Oct 1816
Christening Place Chatham, Kent, England
Age at Christening   0
Father's Name Christopher Albert
Mother's Name Jemmima

kerry

[lagunasf]

Hi Kerry,

Thanks for that.  I had the names of his children but not details of their birth

Much appreciated
lagunasf

[drewhowson]

Hi Lagunasf.
Have you actually seen the originl copies of the National Archives listings?
there should be an ammount of information not in the description of the documents.
as for his being British, could his father be British and serving in some capacity abroad, thus being eligable to join the British Forces.
Is this your Christopher?
 ADM 45/19/577
ADM 6/227/55
ADM 6/227/57
all these are listings from the National Archives Admiralty papers.
regards,
Andy

[SwissGill]

Hi Lagunasf

Just had a quick peep at the 1841 census, couldn't read the original (too faint) but the record states he was born in Ireland. Must be the one you mention as his name is given as Christn which I assume should read Christian.

[lagunasf]

Hi,

Sorry I've taken so long to reply but have been out of action.

Although almost undecipherable I think the 'I' for Ireland is actually an 'F' for foreign which fits in with the Prussia story, and I also think the n on the end of Christn is an r. 

lagunasf

[lagunasf]

Hi Andy

I haven'y seen any of the original copies of the National Archives papers, but I think all of those listings you mentioned are my Christopher.

I thought it was rather an expensive price to pay for something I'm not sure will have any relevant information in it.

lagunasf

[Judy M]

Christopher is also a direct ancestor of mine.
I am descended from his eldest daughter Eliza baptised Chatham Kent in 1810.

I would like to know also what further details might be gained from his first ships muster roll [HMS ILLUSTRIOUS] within 3 weeks of joining her he was promoted to 2nd gunner so I am guessing he had previous naval experience in perhaps the Prussian navy?

More details of Christopher's family at http://judym.tribalpages.com/family-tree/judym/79/700/Christopher-Albert-Family

Judy
Qld Australia

[crimea1854]

Lagunasf

I would certainly order the ADM 29 document from the National Archives,  which is his pension application, since it will contain a list of all the ships he served on, when, and his rate (rank) at the time.

From this I would then check the Ships' Description Books for the last few ships he served on, because these should have a physical description, a list of his previous ships (which you will know at this stage), his place of birth, but no additional family information other than is marital status. The down-side is that these Books can only be consulted at the National Archives.

Martin